In the round 23 pre-game pressor, Jason Ryles has addressed Bailey Simonsson’s current absence from the Eels, confirming the club has granted the outside back a short leave. Simonsson, contracted until the end of 2027, has been dealing with a difficult run of injuries and is now the subject of release rumours.
“Bailey is being really well supported by the club and we will make sure he is OK,” Ryles said.
“Bailey made that decision to stay away for a couple of days, which we fully supported. He’ll get himself sorted and back into training as soon as he can. [But] I’m not going to elaborate on anything I speak with the players about.”
Ryles stressed the Eels are not pushing Simonsson out and that he could return as early as next week."
“(Wanting him here has) been communicated."
"It’s been a little bit of a shock, but it’s all footy and we have to manage players as best we can."
Injury Frustrations
Simonsson has endured a brutal injury toll. An ACL tear, a foot injury, and a shoulder problem suffered in the 2022 grand final (above, Getty Images).
Since Round 14 last year, he has missed 25 of the Eels last 31 games, appearing in just six over the past fifteen months.
He returned from his ACL in Round 6 this year and played some outstanding games. But injured his foot four games later. After recovering, he was dropped following the Round 20 loss to the Raiders.
That appears to have triggered frustrations along with whatever his personal reasons or agendas and has come with alleged multiple release requests according to media reports such as News Corp.
Simonsson has spoken of his preference to play on the wing (21 of his 101 NRL games) rather than centre, but was allegedly angered when departing utility Dylan Brown was picked ahead of him in the centres.
Brown's Team-First Mentality
Ryles heaped praise on Dylan's behind the scenes attitude:
“It’s exciting for him [the recall into the starting team]. He has been training hard. He has maintained a good attitude in and around the place."
“I said if circumstances and anything like that changed we would more than happily bring Dylan in. Things changed and an opportunity came up We found a spot for him"
“He has been really good in and around the group the whole time. He has a great attitude and team first mentality.”
Brown, who had the option to leave mid-season chose to stay. And he has willingly filled multiple roles for Ryles. Hooker, five-eighth, and now likely centre. All without complaint.
That's in stark contrast to Simonsson. And it's a sharp turn from what Simonsson said after signing a contract extension in August last year:
“I love this club and everybody involved in it. I feel at home here, so it was an easy decision for me to stay… I’m very grateful to the club for sticking by me through my injury and I’m keen to give back to them and our fans with my performances over the next three years.”
Ironic. One signed to leave but stayed. The other signed to stay, but now appears to want out. One taking the harder road, despite appearing all-out. The other the easier road, despite appearing all-in. For Dylan, the road ahead is clear. Not so for Simonsson. But Ryles, Jim and the club aren't afraid of letting players go of anyone not fully on the bus. Stay tuned.
Replies
True but yet Hooper like you mention had no worries sticking the boot in at any opportunity for zero consequence with regards to us.He loved using the accountants line and having a good belly laugh about it.Your right it's why none of these guys go after Politis and he basically puts his foot down on rogue agents like Isaac Moses.
I suspect that's what it takes just a rock solid leader/dictator to control the negative narrative.
Coryn, you're right. But did you notice Hooper changed his tune over the last 6-8 months? That didn't happen by accident.
What is he going to say? Be truthful if is the case and have RLPA and media on your arse?
Nice blog. Your last sentence sums it up perfectly. At this point in time, it's a no-brainer putting dylan at centre.
Thanks, Joeyboyz. Yep, agree. I'm with Ryles as well.
Good bye Bailey Simmons thanks for everything you gave us we never see you again playing for us
So we have Lane Matterson now Simmons not playing for us but we paying them still what a joke
Arnie, although we can only speculate, we're probably hamstrung by $3m including freight in cleaning up the roster. It'll happen soon enough. Ryles and the club should have plenty of gunpowder in the not-too-distant future. Probably for 2027. 2026 will probably depend on the whens and ifs of the Matto, Lane, Simo, Hands situation.
So there you go, Brown with a team first mentality - straight from the coaches mouth. I suppose you can't assume things to be true if you don't know what's going on behind closed doors.
Brown never wanted to leave, Newcastle just offered insane money. Ryles even gave him the option of leaving before June 30 and he said no 😂
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